500/4 is the VR worth it?

[Helios]

I now have the funds for a 500/4 with autofocus! I have to decide whether to buy a new one with VR, or save maybe a couple of thousand, and go for an AFS one. Any views or insights on this dilema would be appreciated.

[Dick Smart]

Go for the VR lens.I have the 400 F2.8 and 600F4 VR lenses and they are both superb and super quick focusing, you will not be disappointed.

[Neil]

I have the VR switched off most of the time on mine as it seems to slow it down a bit. As I use the lens either on a monopod and tripod and can go up to iso 1600 with no Noise on the D3 I don't see the need. It also "clunks" occasionally which is annoying.
Neil.

[daniel_st]

The VR does it for me! Don´t really have any experiance with the non-VR lenses (that I have heard are very well built and sharp as...) but have also in mind that the newer supertele VR-lenses all have Nano-coating.

// Daniel

[revs45]

I use a AFS-1 and my images are sharp enough as is since I'm always on a tripod.

If I had the money, I probably would have gone for VR but I'm just a working stiff and had to settle for second hand.

[yossi]

I have the 500/4 AFS II version and never was missing the VR. I'm getting razor-sharp pics.
On the 200-400 VR I often switch the VR off, unless I'm trying to shoot hand held.

[martin england]

Get VR
if you havnt got it you carnt use it
if you do have you have the choice

I dont use VR on a tripod but its switched on whem im in the car or wooden type hide, ie when i use a bean bag

[Derry]

what a nice choice to have available,, VR or no VR,, Hmmmm

Derry

[rioja]

VR is worth it only if you use it. There are various schools of thought as to when it should or shouldn't be switched on or off. Much also depends on how and where you are going to use the lens. At high shutter speeds or on a tripod I wouldn't think it's much, if any, advantage. ( It does have a tripod setting) Used with a D3 you might be able to achieve higher shutter speeds at higher ISO's than you can achieve on , say, my D200.
One thing is certain though, the longer you own the lens the smaller it gets. Whereas hand holding was a ridiculous conception when I first got mine I now would be more than likely to take the lens off the tripod to track a bird in flight. Trying to focus on a single point like a perched bird is an altogether more difficult thing to achieve.
In conclusion, I'm glad mine has VR. The lens is a long term investment in pleasure and whereas I know whatever camera body I buy will be outdated in a matter of months, this lens will probably not be improved or bettered for many years to come.Might as well get the best available than regret it later......... unless you can find an outstanding deal on a non VR model !!!!!!

[pe'rigin]

Oh, to have such a choice!

If you have a rock solid tripod, you don't need the VR.

I think I would look at the more portable lenses with the VR, F2.8, 300 or 400mm.

But, I don't think you could go wrong with any of them.

What we want is Nikon to release a 400 F4 or 5.6 with VR, that would be my choice.

[rioja]

Oh, to have such a choice!

If you have a rock solid tripod, you don't need the VR.

I think I would look at the more portable lenses with the VR, F2.8, 300 or 400mm.

But, I don't think you could go wrong with any of them.

What we want is Nikon to release a 400 F4 or 5.6 with VR, that would be my choice.

The 400mm f2.8 is a bit of a monster. It weighs 800gms more than the 500 f4 and I wouldn't consider that hanholdable.
The 300 f2.8 is very much hand holdable and makes a superb BIF and walkabout lens which as such makes VR a must.

The 300mm f4 VR would be a popular choice as well as a 400 f5.6 VR. If the Canon pricing is anything to go by though I'm not sure there would be much demand for a 400mm f4 as their price is almost the same as the 500mmf4.

[Helios]

Thanks for all your comments.

I have a Gitzo tripod with a wimberly head which works great for my current 500 f4 lens (an old manual focus model), but most of my best shots are taken from the car with my 300 f4, so I guess I should go for the VR model.

[Andy Rouse]

To be honest I would not be without VR for any telephoto lens. Sure there are the old arguments for non VR but the quality, in my opinion is just as good and the extra sharpness with VR more than balances out anything else. So if you can afford it I would say VRm if not then non VR as whatever you choose the glass will be great.